Abstract

The assessment of phytoremediation potential of wild plant species in areas polluted by metals is very important, as it will enable the use of eco-friendly remediation methods in these territories. Sixteen native wild plant species growing in Cu-contaminated soils of a mining region in Armenia were investigated to reveal their phytoremediation potential. In roots (dry weight) of dominant plant species in this area the content of copper varied between 55 mg/kg (Hypericum perforatum) and 775 mg/kg (Thymus kotschyanus), and in shoots of plants in the range from 33 mg/kg (Teucrium orientale) to 243 mg/kg (Phleum pratense). Since the Cu accumulation capability of plants depends both on physiological peculiarities of the plants and on the content of Cubioavailable in the soil, the studies were carried out in this direction and it was found out that the high contents of soil organic matter (SOM) and clay in the soil facilitated the decrease of the ratio Cubioavailable/Cutotal and as a result, the decrease of Cu accumulation capability of plants. Thymus kotschyanus, Phleum pratense and Achillea millefolium had the highest phytostabilization potential from all studied species due to high bioconcentration factors of their roots (BCFroot) and low translocation factors (TF) registered in these plants.

Purchase access

You may purchase access to this article. This will require you to create an account if you don't already have one.

LIBRARY USERS

Log in through your institution

You may be able to gain access using your login credentials for your institution. Contact your library if you do not have a username and password.

If your organization uses OpenAthens, you can log in using your OpenAthens username and password. To check if your institution is supported, please see this list. Contact your library for more details.